KCTC Policy Newsletter | Review Our 2023 Priorities and Principles

The KC Tech Council Policy Committee is proud to release the 2023 Policy Priorities and Principles Guide which will frame our advocacy work in the coming year.

TECH POLICY IN THE NEWS

Passage of the CHIPS and Science Act

Share Your Voice in Support of Renewing the National Apprenticeship Act

Governor Parson Increases CS Access by Signing SB 718

Into Law

KCTC POLICY COMMITTEE 2023 GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Represent the collective voice of KC Tech Council’s 180+ member companies and organizations, from entrepreneur to enterprise
Educate our membership on the important role public policy plays in the sustainable growth of the tech industry in Kansas City
Empower and mobilize our community to use its collective voice effectively in supporting or opposing policy matters that affect the growth of the tech industry

2023 FEDERAL, STATE AND MUNICIPAL PRIORITIES

Policies That Develop, Attract and Retain a Broad, Diverse and Highly Qualified Tech Workforce:

Policies promoting immigration of highly skilled workers via STEM visas, comprehensive H1-B reform, removal of per-country caps within the green card system and other reform initiatives
Expansion and resourcing of K-20 STEM education
Registered apprenticeship program funding and expansion to unlock tech talent
Broaden the tech workforce by increasing the diversity and representation within the talent pipeline
Technology retraining via reskilling and upskilling for jobs and industries displaced by new technology

Policies That Promote Innovation and Organic Growth or Attraction of Companies:

Strategic (R&D, angel investment) tax credits while preserving the ability to deduct such expenses in the year incurred
Funding for state and municipal-level programs in Kansas and Missouri that work to attract and grow tech companies
Funding for the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs, among many others
Intellectual property protection and patent reform

Policies That Maintain Appropriate Infrastructure to Support an Ecosystem Where the Technology Industry Can Thrive:

North American broadband access and affordability
Expansion of connectivity via 5G, smart cities initiatives and other emerging technologies to keep the Kansas City region competitive
Uniformity of data privacy, data care and security laws to encourage innovation within companies of all sizes

VIEW THE FULL 2023 PRIORITIES & PRINCIPLES DOCUMENT

Disclaimer: The KC Tech Council Policy Committee serves independently of the KC Tech Council Board of Directors. This volunteer group of tech industry representatives serves as a decision-making body to review policy matters and select the best path of engagement on individual issues. Interested in serving on the KC Tech Council policy committee? Please reach out here.